Fielding Graduate University News

Fielding Graduate University’s School of Psychology Faculty Research Committee has chosen Tonya Bennett of Thousand Oaks, CA as the 2012 recipient of the Jerry Nims Graduate Student Scholarship for her accomplishments of scholarly publications and presentations. Bennett is a doctoral student in Fielding’s clinical psychology program.

The award was established in honor of the late Jerry Nims, PhD, JD, a founding faculty member of the university’s School of Psychology. Bennett is the first-time recipient of the award, which will be an annual recognition with a cash award and determined by the Faculty Research Committee.

Bennett's recent research has focused on the functional trajectory of neuropsychological factors in the aging population. She was senior writer for “Disorders of Written Language” of the recently published Encyclopedia of Neuropsychological Disorders. Her numerous publications have been on ADHD and factors in neuropsychological testing. She has a long history of working with children with severely compromising disorders (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy). Her report on the effects of aging on intellectual and memorial activity earned her an Honorable Mention at the American College of Professional Neuropsychology in 2011.

Currently she teaches graduate courses at California Lutheran University and assists Fielding faculty member Henry Soper, PhD, as his Coordinator of Research. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Bennett holds an MA in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University and an MS in counseling psychology from California Lutheran University.

On January 27, Gil Reyes, PhD, was honored by the Santa Barbara (CA) Clinical Psychology Association. An associate dean in Fielding’s School of Psychology, Reyes was given the association’s Legacy Award for his many contributions to the organization and to the field of professional psychology. Reyes is a well-known expert on aspects of disasters and mental health services. He works directly with disaster victims, trains other professionals to do so, and publishes extensively. Congratulations, Gil.

The School of Psychology at Fielding Graduate University and the Taylor Study Method (TSM), the leading online test preparation company for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), have formed a strategic partnership designed to strengthen students’ readiness for their future clinical licensure exams. This will be accomplished by TSM working with Fielding to provide early, integrated exposure to EPPP concepts throughout students’ educational experiences while at Fielding.

This strategic partnership was brought about through the diligent collaborative efforts of both organizations. Special recognition for this accomplishment goes to Graham Taylor, PsyD, TSM’s founder, and Gerardo Rodriguez-Menendez, PhD, MS Cl Pharm, interim dean of Fielding’s School of Psychology.

Mary Harrison, a doctoral student in Fielding Graduate University’s clinical psychology program, will accept the first Dr. Mary Ann Quaranta Elder Justice Award for “True Grit,” a program she administers to serve the needs of elderly prisoners in Carson City, NV.

Housed at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, True Grit addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the aging prison population. The program is staffed by volunteers, and no additional cost is passed on to taxpayers. The program began in 2004; over 265 prisoners have participated prior to their deaths or discharge.

Gerardo Rodriquez-Menendez, PhD, has been appointed interim dean for the School of Psychology at Fielding Graduate University.

In announcing the appointment, Fielding President Richard Meyers, PhD, stated: "We are honored to have Gery take on this pivotal role. He is passionate and knowledgeable in the field of psychology and experienced in leading a school through the processes of change while staying true to the university's mission and vision."

Rodriquez earned his PhD in clinical psychology and an MS in general psychology from the Miami Institute of Psychology of the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies. Additionally he completed a postdoctoral master’s in psychopharmacology from Nova Southeastern University.

His career spans a broad spectrum of responsibilities in education, administration, research, and consulting. As the chancellor at Carlos Albizu University, Miami Campus he managed the accreditation process of a clinical psychology program while concurrently teaching and providing clinical supervision to students.

Rodriguez is a practicing psychologist, an author of articles and books, and a frequent presenter at conferences across the country. Among his areas of expertise are promoting minority enrollment in clinical psychology programs and developing multicultural training models. Rodriquez is bilingual and has published on psychology topics in both English and Spanish.

In accepting the position, Rodriguez stated “For years I have admired Fielding and know of the high regard in which it’s held in the academic and psychology communities. I look forward to contributing to the university’s further growth and development.”

Joseph Bush, PhD, an associate dean in Fielding's School of Psychology, has been named a Fellow of The Society of Pediatric Psychology, Division 54 of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Through its divisions, APA names as "Fellows" individuals who are deemed to have made outstanding career contributions to defined areas in psychology. Award recipients are selected by appointed executive committees within a division, which forward these nominees to a central APA committee where approval is determined. Bush was selected by the executive committee of the Society for Pediatric Psychology (APA Division 54) to be named as a Fellow for his career contributions in scholarship, teaching, and service in the field.

Fielding congratulates Dr. Bush on achieving this significant professional honor.